1To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 21 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have the Pleasure to inform your Excellency that Major Vose of my own Regiment; beside⟨s⟩ securing the Barley on Nantasket; yesterday morning Landed on the Light-House Island with Six or Seven Boats, the Light House was set on Fire and the wood work Burnt, the Party brought off Three Casks of Oyl, all the furniture of the Light house, about 50 wt of Gun Powder, a Quantity of Cordage &c. (an...
2To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 21 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment Informed by the Revd Mr Foster, Chaplin to Colo. Scammons Regt That One Mr Page an Episcopalian Minister, is takeing plans of all our works—That he was yesterday viewing the works at Roxbury in order to Correct his plans, That he Acquainted the Revd Mr Belknap who is now in Cambridge, that he was going for England, and by those plans would Strive to Convinc my Lord Dartmouth,...
3To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 13 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
Camp at Cambridge, 13 February 1776. Recommends the Rev. Jacob Foster as chaplain of the 7th and 18th regiments. ALS , DLC:GW . This letter is appended to a letter of 9 Feb. from the field officers of the two regiments indicating their choice of Foster as their chaplain. Col. William Prescott commanded the 7th Continental Regiment, and Col. Edmund Phinney commanded the 18th Continental...
4To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 22 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
I some Time Since Reported, that Colonels Prescott & Phinny, had Chosen the Revd Mr Foster for the Chaplin of those Regiments This Choice is but Temporary as it is at Present Uncertain whether Mr Foster Can be absent from his Own Parrish for more than a month or Two, I now beg leave further to report that Colonels Greaton & Baldwin have made Choice of the Revd Mr Barnum for the Chaplin of...
5To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 29 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
In Pursuance of General Orders, I Visited the Guards on Yesterday, beginning at Cambridge Main Guard, from thence to the Store Magazine Main Guard at Winter Hill, Plowd Hill, White House, Main Guard on prospect Hill, Cobble Hill, Leichmears point, & Bridge, & North Redoubt found the Guards in good Order Save at Leichmears point Bridge, where the proper Guard had not been mounted, and One...
6To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 3 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
I Visited the Guards on Yesterday, found them in Good Order, Ordered Grand Rounds to begin their Round at Eleven, Visiting Rounds at Three and Patroles between each Relief, Officers of the Day Report, That in the Night, they found the Guards Vigilant, & Sentinels remarkably Alert. At Five this morning I visited the Guards at Lechmeres point, found them in the Works reinforced with five...
7To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 6 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Visited the Guards Yesterday Afternoon, found them in Good Order, But Some of them, deficient in their number, Occasioned by the Extraordinary Drafts from Some of the Brigades. I gave Orders for the Grand Rounds at Eleven—Visiting Rounds at Three, Patroles Between each Relief, The Guards in the out Posts were reinforced in the Evening, Officers of the Day Report that in the Night they found...
8To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 9 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Visited the Guards on Yesterday before noon, found them in Good Order, Ordered Grand Rounds at Eleven, Visiting Rounds at half Past Three and Patroles between each Relief, Grand Rounds Report that they found the Guards Vigilant, and Sentinels Alert. Capt. of the White House Guard Reports That the Enemy worked all night, That at 4 oClock this morning the Bells rang in Boston, and a number of...
9Instructions and Orders for Brigadier General William Heath, 19 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
As you are Forthwith to take upon You the Command of the Brigade, now upon their March to Norwich in Connecticutt, consisting of the 5th, 16th, 19th, 24th & 25th Regiments, you will without Delay proceed to Norwich where you will confer with the persons appointed to provide Vessells for the Transportation of The Troops to New York; Dispatch, & Secrecy are necessary in Embarquing, & Sailing...
10To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 22–23 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
I this Evening Reached Norwich, having left Colo. Pattersons Division about Twenty miles Back on the Road. The men march with Surprising Agility Scarcely Complaining of being fatigued But the Road being Extreemly mirry and in Some places Almost Impassable Greatly Impedes the waggons which is an Obstruction to the whole; 23rd this morning Rode to the Landing, find the Shiping in a good way and...
11To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 27 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
There not being water in the River Sufficient to float the Transports over the Bar with the Troops on Board, to new London, I therefore marched, the Brigade Down by Land, and Ordered the Transports to fall Down, Three of the Transport got a Ground, and are not yet off; Heaven favours us this morning with a fine Wind I have Ordered, the Brigade to Embarque Immediately, and proceed for Newyork,...
12To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 31 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
on Yesterday I arrived in this City with the Brigade, and flatter my Self that Considering the Badness of the Roads Stormy weather &c. your Excellency will not think that I have been either Negligent or dilitory on the march. General Schuyler Still remains at Albany and the Command of the army at present devolves on me, I have this day ordered a Return of the army, But have it not in my Power...
13To George Washington from Brigadier Generals William Heath, Joseph Spencer, Nathanael Greene, and Lord Stirling, 27 June … (Washington Papers)
In Considering the Several Matters which your Excellency has been pleased to referr to us; we do with regard to Long Island and Staten Island think it absolutely Necessary for the Safety & defence of this Colony that all the Stock of Cattle and Sheep (Except such as may be requisite for the present Subsistance of the Inhabitants) be removed to a distance from the Sea Coast and that this be...
14To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Last night the Fire Ships & Row Gallies made an attempt, Upon the Enemys ships, which lay at Anchor up the River, The Fire ships were well Conducted, the Armed Schooner was Grappled and Burnt, The Phenix was Grappled for a Bought Ten minutes, But got herself Clear, The Lady Washington Galley and Independence, were Conducted with Great Judgment and Bravery, I wish I could Say that the Other...
15From George Washington to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 17 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 17 Aug. 1776. Heath’s letter to GW of this date is docketed in Joseph Reed’s writing: “Major Genl Heath Kingsbridge Aug. 17 1776 Answerd do.”
16To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Early this morning the Phoenix Man of War, Rose Frigate & the Two Tenders, came to Sail & stood down the River, keeping close under the East Shore, in order to avoid the Fire of our Cannon; but notwithstanding this Precaution, the Phoenix was thrice Hull’d by our Shot from Mount Washington, & one of the Tenders once—The Rose was Hull’d once by a Shot from Burdit Ferry—They kept their men...
17From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 19 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of yesterday’s date—The ships of War & Tenders were fired at from the Batteries here as they passed, and I suppose received similar damages to what they met with from the Forts at Mount Washington & Burdit Ferry. I shall not be able to spare any Tents for Genl Clinton at present owing to the very small Stock on Hand, with regard to their Quarters being so scattered I can only...
18To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have the Pleasure to Inform you, that we have taken out of the wreck of the Tender lately burnt up the north River, The following Cannon Vizt One Six Pounder, Two Three Do One Two Do and Ten Swivels, One Cabooses and Apron, Two Cutlasses, Two Gun Barrels, One Crow bar and 4 Gapp[l]in[g]s and Chains, Lieut. Landon of Colo. Nicolls Regiment with Two of the Company to Which he belongs went off...
19From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I transmit you Copy of a Letter which I have this Moment recd from Genl Livingston at Elizabeth Town. You will perceive by it that the Enemy are upon the point of striking the long expected Stroke, and as part of the Information seems to intimate that the Attack may be up the North River as well as at the lower posts, I have only to recommend to you to be as well prepared as possible...
20From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
As the Enemy must pass this place before they can attempt the Posts above, and as your Troops there, are new augmented, I would have you pick out a body of about Eight hundred or a thousand light active men, and good Marksmen (Including the light Infantry and Riflemen) ready to move this way upon the appearance of the Shipping coming up, or upon the commencement of the Canonade of any of our...
21To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor this moment to receive yours of the last Evening Inclosing Copy of a Letter from Genl Livingston. I can Assure your Excellency that every thing in my Power shall be Done to be in Readiness, either to receive the Enemy here or to afford you Aid, Fort Washington is in Good order, but our works here are not yet Compleated, and we are as yet Entirely without any Cannon...
22To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor this moment to receive your Orders for augmenting the Detachment designed for your Aid—Genl Mifflin, Clinton & myself an Hour or Two Ago had determined upon the same Plan, and think our Selves happy in having the same order’d by your Excellency—The Detachment shall be got ready with all Expedition, & Officer’d with the best Officers which we have, Genl Mifflin will command...
23From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday Morning the Enemy landed at Gravesend Bay upon Long Island, from the best Information I can obtain, to the Number of about Eight Thousand. Colo. Hand retreated before them, burning as he came along, several parcels of Wheat, and such other Matters as he judged would fall into the Enemy’s Hands. Our first Accounts were, that they intended, by a forced March, to surprize Genl...
24To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am so unhappy as not to receive your Letter Untill this moment, having been all this forenoon with the Engineers viewing the Ground & laying out the works, But upon Sight of your Letter I have ordered the Detachment Here to Parade and march for Mount Washington as Soon as Possable, And the Detachment at that place which Consists of near Eight Hundred to march forward agreable to your...
25To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 24 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
In Order to Ease Head Quarters as much as Possible, And on Account of our Distance from thence, General or Garrison Court Martials have been Appointed at this Post for the Tryal of Offenders, Brigadier General Mifflen has Sent me the Inclosed this Day, But I pause Untill I Know your Excellency’s Pleasure (which I Desire you would be pleased to Signify as Soon as Convenient) whether the before...
26From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your letters of the 23rd & 24th of this Inst.; with respect to the detachment I directed on the 23rd, I concieve it to be highly expedient that they be kept in the most perfect readiness to act as the circumstances of affairs may render necessary; the present appearance of things seems to indicate an intention in the enemy to make their capital impression on the side of...
27To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just had the Honor to receive your’s of this day’s Date, & shall continue in the most perfect readiness, the Detachment designed for your Aid if Occasion should require it—I will further confer with the Brigadier Generals & Engineers, on the Probability of the Fire Rafts answering the Purpose of a floating Bridge, It is my own, as well as Genl Clinton’s Opinion that they will, and it...
28To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Express this moment, I am Informed that Two Ships and One Brig are Just Come to Anchor above Frog Point near the New City—I have Instantly Detached Colo. Graham with his Regiment with orders to prevent their Landing to Pillage or Burn, I Imagine that more ships will follow them—But whether their Plan is only to Block up the Sound or to make a Diversion on this Side, Time must Discover, I...
29From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
New York, 30 August 1776 . “As Numbers of the Militia are going off without Licence, I desire you will stop all such at Kings bridge, as are not furnished with regular Discharges.” LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers. Heath wrote the captain of the main guard at King’s Bridge later on this date, instructing him “to Stop all Soldiers Coming from the City Except Such as have...
30To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
A Sloop from Red Hook (up the North River) has Just Come to Anchor near this Place, having on Board about 4 Tons & half of Gun Powder made at Livingstons Mills which was to be Deliver’d to your Excellency at New York, but the master has Stoped here Untill He Knows your Pleasure where to Land it. A very Extraordinary Report has Just Spread here, that whether True or false we are as yet...
31To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Ever Since my arrival at New york I have considered this Post to be the Key of the Island, and Consequently of great Importance[.] Its Importance at this Time is apparently Enhanced, And much more is necessary to be Done than we Can Possibly Do with our few Scattered Troops, General Clintons five Regiments Consist of near 1400 Rank and file fit for Duty Two Hundred of that number are on...
32To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
What Fatality Attends the Sinking of the Chevaux De Frise I cannot tell, I was Extremely Uneasy yesterday at the Delay, I went to the Place, Called Capt. Cooke on Shore, told him every moment was precious, and that if any Benifit was ever to be reaped from them it would Probably be Soon, He told me that they met with many & Great Dificulties, that the night before last one of the Vessells...
33To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since Enclosing—Col. Remsen’s Regiment are here, they say their Time of Engagement is up this Day many of them are desirous, to go over and if possible save their Families & Effects, Should be glad to know your Excellency’s Pleasure in this respect—They say they mean to return, I cannot answer for them—I suppose the like Applications will be made by many of Col. Smith’s Men—I beg an immediate...
34To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received Information that a Large Body of the Enemy appeared Opposite to Hunts Point Just before Sun Sit and Pitched their Tents on an Hill to the number of 100 or more[.] it is also Said that numbers of men have been Put on Board the Ships, this Day, I have Ordered the Regiments to lie on their Arms &c. I have the Honor to be &c. with great respect your Excellencys most...
35From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have reciev’d your letter of this day, and concur with you in sentiment as to the probability of the Enemy’s endeavoring to land their forces at Hunts point, or some place not far distant from it; in order to prevent such an attempt from being carried into execution, I have sent up General Mifflin with the troops he brought from your quarters strengthened by a reinforcement; with this...
36To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Appearance of the Enemy on Long Island the last Evening, near Newtown, Induced Genl Mifflin to leave Col. Hand’s Battalion at Harlem, & proceed with the other Battalions over Kingsbridge, & take Post on the Heights on the East side of Harlem River, towards Morrisania—Consequently Mount Washington has only Col. Hutchinson’s Regiment, & a Detachment of 300 Men for it’s Defence—It is the...
37From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of this date and Intend this Evening to go to Harlem and see whether the situation of Things will admit of the several Detachments and Dispositions you mention, so that every place necessary to be maintained should have measures taken for their defence. I should suppose that Hutchinsons Regiment & the 300 Men you say are at Mount Washington, will do to Garrison It for the...
38To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I find many of the Soldiers belonging to the Battalions, that suffered the Most, in the late Action on Long Island much Dispirited, & often uttering Expressions that they have lost their Officers, lost their Blankets, & have no money, & the like, I could wish that your Excellency would just think of the matter, & if the Paymaster has Money in the Treasury, that they may be paid—I am confident...
39From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
As every thing, in a manner, depends upon obtaining Intelligence of the Enemys motions, I do most earnestly entreat you and Genl Clinton to exert yourselves to accomplish this most desireable end. leave no stone unturn’d, nor do not stick at expence to bring this to pass, as I never was more uneasy than on Acct of my want of knowledge on this Score. Keep besides this precaution, constant...
40From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The present posture of our Affairs, the Season of the year, and many other reason’s which might be urged, renders it indispensably necessary that some Systematic plan should be form’d, and, as far as possible pursued, by us—I therefore desire that immediately upon receipt of this Letter you will let Genls Mifflin & Clinton know that I desire to see them with you, at this place, (Head Quarters)...
41To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Honor of the receipt of your favor of yesterday I was in Hopes this morning to have Given you Some fresh Intilligence, but have not yet Receiv⟨ed⟩ it but Still Expect it, as we have undoubtedly a Spy on the Island, Every necessary and Proper preparation having been made for that Purpose the Last night, and it is rather too Early in the morning as yet to receive our...
42To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since Enclosing my other Letter I am informed that several Houses are left with large Quantities of valuable Furniture (in particular at Delancy’s) which are in danger it is said of being plundered, there were also on that Farm about Ten Horses, more than half of which are already taken away—Such practices surely ought to be restrained—Wou’d it not be much better for the Quarter Master...
43To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colonels Nicoll DuBois & Drake are just come in and give the following Information vizt That one Mr Cornwall of Cow Neck came over to Frogg’s Point the last Night (Co[r]nwall is a stanch Friend to the Liberties of America, a Relation to Comfort Sands Auditor General of the State of New York) and says that he is a Soldier in the Militia of Cow Neck, under the Command of Capt. Stephen Thorn of...
44From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have lately reciev’d information (on which I can in some measure rely) that it is impracticable for carriages to pass from Harlem point or any of the landing places contiguous to it, towards King’s bridge any other way than along the public roads; I should therefore concieve it would be highly expedient to throw every impediment and obstruction in the ways leading from the above mentioned...
45To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Two Persons who Came from Long-Island this morning (who we have Employed for the purpose of Secret Intelligence) we are Informed That the Enemy are Encamped in three Divisions, One at Newtown which is Head Quarters, One at Flushing, and One at Jamaica The Hessians are at Newtown, That 1500 waggons are Employed in Bringing aCross the Boats &c. That an Attack will Soon be made Some where East...
46To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned from Frog’s Point, Hunt’s point & Morrisania—I find the Enemy have been all this Day landing Troops on Montrosure’s Island where there appears to be a very large Number of them & Senteries posted all round the Island. In Addition to 150 Men sent down this morning near to Hunt’s point—I have this Evening ordered 200 as a Piquet to rendezvouz, at the Widow Morrises, & have...
47From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Before this Letter can reach you, the Brigade under Colo. Chester’s Command no doubt has reached you, but unless more assistance of Waggons and Teams are sent I cannot undertake to say when you will get a further reinforcement—let me entreat therefore that Genl Clinton and yourself will exert yourselves in getting, by Impressment, or otherwise, a parcel of Teams to come to our Assistance. The...
48To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Being so unhappy as to Differ in Sentiment from a Majority of the Honble Board of General Officers of the Army of the United States of america, in the Important Question whether, a Former Determination of the Board Should be reconsidered, and the City of new York no⟨w⟩ be Evacuated, and Some of the General officers Desiring that the reasons of the Gentlemen Differing in Sentiment from the...
49To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am Just returned (much Fatigued) from East Chester Bay, where I have been with Genl Clinton and Colonel Chester to Reconnoitre the Ground. I have the Honor this moment to receive yours of this Day, and have Immediately ordered all the Teams here or that Can be Procured to be Sent to you —Would to God that the Business of a Certain Department, was Performed with alertness, I wish it may not...
50From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Some advices lately recieved from Powle’s hook, has made it necessary that Col. William’s regiment, should march to that post as a re-inforcement to Col. Durkie; it will be proper therefore they should be immedy put in motion towards Mount Washington, where they are to cross. Yr hhble Servt LS , in William Grayson’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers.